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David:

Neuropsychologists are like neurologists who focus on the
neurologic affects of diseases like PD on emotions, cognition
and behavior.  Dopamine decreases and deterioration of
brain cells (substantia nigra, which produce dopamine) are
neurologic (i.e, physical) changes that not only affect motor
function (i.e., gait, mobility), but also effect thinking, memory,
emotions, etc.  Neuropsychologists are the ones who help
measure and treat the cognitive, emotional and behavioral
changes caused by neurologic disorders.  Importantly, they
do not treat psychiatric disorders, or disorders of mental
health.  They treat the emotional consequences of physical
disorders.  They use behavioral methods, and not drugs,
to help compensate for, get around, and improve the
negative changes in thinking, emotions, behavior, including
fatigue, sleep, etc.

Unlike psychologists, who treat abnormal behavior
due to psychiatric problems, neuropsychologists
treat brain based behavior disorders.  We treat persons
with Brain Injuries, Stroke, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis,
Epilepsy, and so on.


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Michael F. Martelli, Ph.D.
Director, Rehabilitation Neuropsychology
Concussion Care Centre of Virginia
10120 West Broad Street, Suites G & H
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: 804-747-8429      Cell: 804-399-5433
Fax: 804-346-1956
Email: [log in to unmask]
Villa Martelli Disability Resources Webpage: http://go.to/MFMartelliPhD

A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.
-- English proverb